Ridgid Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Shows Off Impressive Cutting Speed
We just wrapped testing for our Best Oscillating Multi-Tool shootout, and the results were a little surprising! One of the front-runners on the performance side was the Ridgid 18V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool (R86242). Just how well does is stack up against the competition? Let’s find out!
Ridgid 18V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Performance
- No-Load Speed: 10,000-20,000 OPM
- Oscillation Arc: 4°
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Accessory Interface: OIS
The Ridgid R86242B oscillating multi-tool uses a brushless motor to deliver speeds from 10,000 to 20,000 OPM (oscillations per minute). It features three speed modes, as well as a variable speed trigger to give you a little more control over the blade speed. Additionally, there is a lock-on button to give your trigger finger a break during extended use.
This model has largely the same speed and performance specs as its predecessor, with a few physical design changes (I’ll expand on those later). One major improvement in terms of performance is the increased oscillation arc from 3.6° (R86240) to 4°. This larger arc improves cutting speeds by moving more teeth through the material than smaller arcs set to the same speed.
Hands-On Testing
In the past, testing these tools has always been a bit subjective because there was always that human element to contend with. To combat this factor, we built a rig to test oscillating multi-tools.
One end holds the material we’re cutting in place, while the tool is secured to a sled that’s pulled forward by a weight, applying even pressure for each test. The amount of weight varies based on what material we’re cutting, but every tool uses the same amount of weight as the others for each test.
Our testing materials included hard and soft woods, nail-embedded white pine, 1/2-inch CPVC pipe, 1/2-inch copper pipe, 1/2-inch EMT conduit, and 1/2-inch all-thread rod.
| Test | Result | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Pine | 3.30 seconds | 3 |
| Red Oak | 4.49 seconds | 1 |
| Nail-Embedded Pine | 2.99 seconds | 1 |
| CPVC | 1.10 seconds | 3 |
| Copper Pipe | 8.18 seconds | 1 |
| EMT Conduit | 6.36 seconds | 1 |
| Threaded Rod | 31 seconds | 1 |
| Vibration | 4 out of 5 | 7 (tie) |
These are the results from our testing, which included nine tools from the top manufacturers. As you can see, Ridgid absolutely dominated the competition in pretty much every test! To be perfectly candid, Ridgid was not the projected favorite, but boy did we eat our words.
The Ridgid R86242 consistently finished at or near the top of the leaderboard, including in our threaded rod cut. In fact, it finished in just 31 seconds—a full 5 seconds faster than the closest competitor, Milwaukee’s 2836.
Vibration Control
The only real fly in the ointment was in the vibration category. While it’s level of vibration is actually very good, it was more noticeable compared to the other models we tested. All that being said, it’s certainly not a dealbreaker, especially when you consider it’s a significant improvement over the previous model.
Ridgid 18V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Design
- Model: Ridgid R86242B
- Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.7 x 3.3 x 5 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (bare tool), 3.7 lbs (with 4.0Ah Max Output battery)
Size and Weight
The Ridgid oscillating multi-tool weighs in at 2.2 pounds as a bare tool, and 3.7 pounds with a 4.0Ah Max Output battery. You can shave some weight with a 2.0Ah battery, but you will lose a little bit of the added performance a Max Output packs offers.
The tool body measures 12.7 inches from end to end—slightly longer than the previous model, but it’s not too noticeable.
Accessory Changes
One notable improvement on this tool is the accessory interface. Ridgid still uses an OIS (Oscillating Interface System) interface, but now they’re utilizing a quick-change pin, similar to the DeWalt DCS365. This system is much easier to use than the previous design, which always felt a little cumbersome.
To switch accessories, simply flip the blade release lever, remove the center pin, and affix your new blade or sanding pad. As an added bonus, Ridgid incorporated two small magnets into the interface to hold the blade in place. This means you don’t have to worry about fumbling with the blade while you re-insert the quick-change pin.
Quick Comparison
As mentioned above, there are a few design differences between this model (R86242) and Ridgid’s previous brushless multi-tool (R86240). For starters, Ridgid opted for a variable speed trigger for the newer model, whereas the R86240 has an on/off switch and speed dial. Triggers, especially variable speed triggers, give you more control over your cuts, but there are many Pros who still prefer the simplicity of an on/off switch.
Here’s a quick comparison between the two models:
| R86240 (old) | R86242 (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 10,000 – 20,000 OPM | 10,000 – 20,000 OPM |
| Trigger Type | Slide switch with speed dial | Variable speed with 3 speed modes |
| Oscillation Arc | 3.6° | 4° |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
Additional Features
- LED work light
- Belt hook-compatible
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries
Ridgid 18V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool Price
This tool retails for $149 as a bare tool and it’s available exclusively at The Home Depot. It includes a segment blade, a plunge cut blade, and some sanding pads to get you started. Ridgid backs this tool with a 3-year warranty, as well as a Lifetime Service Agreement upon registration. At the time of writing this, there are no kit options available.
However, Ridgid does occasionally run deals on batteries that may include a “free” tool with purchase. For instance, there is currently an 18V Max Output battery starter kit that includes two 4.0Ah Max Output batteries, a charger, and an oscillating multi-tool (R86242) at the time I’m writing this. This starter kit typically retails for $298, but they do go on sale from time to time.
The Bottom Line
While the key improvements on the R86242 may look subtle at first glance, they made a meaningful difference during our head-to-head testing. The Ridgid 18V brushless oscillating multi-tool displayed impressive performance, outpacing the competition in just about every category. While there is a little room for improvement on the vibration aspect, fans of Ridgid’s 18V system should have no hesitation picking this up.
Related Content
